Top jobs with slow turnover

While filling most big ticket jobs doesn’t quite require a conclave of cardinals, there are a few that change hands as rarely as the papacy does. Here are a few positions that are rarely available and, when they are, the battle to see who fills them can often be as tough as the decision made in the Vatican.
Next

Reuters

CEO of General Electric

The world’s leader in infrastructure and capital has had 13 leaders since its launch in the late 1800s. Its current CEO, Jeff Immelt, has held the position since 2001, and before him, Jack Welch had the job for 20 years.
Next

Reuters

CEO of the Walt Disney Co.

At the most magical company on earth, former CEO Michael Eisner (1984-2005) interrupted a string of quick changes, ushering in a new period of stability that continues with his successor, Robert Iger. It was announced in 2011 that current CEO and chairman of the board Iger will step down from his chief executive position in March 2015 and from his board position on June 30, 2016.
Next

Associated Press

Federal Reserve chairman

The nation’s central banking system has had 14 chairmen since its implementation in 1914. Longtime chairman Alan Greenspan held the job for 19 years until Ben S. Bernanke (pictured) took over in 2006. Rumors abound that Bernanke will step down at the end of his current term, but, it would not be shocking if he held onto the post a little longer.
Next

Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff

Boston University men’s hockey coach

Current coach Jack Parker just announced his retirement from Boston University men’s hockey’s top job after 40 years. If his succesor last as long, he’ll be stepping down in 2052.
Next

Getty Images

Head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers

Although current coach Mike Tomlin has held his position for just over six years, he is only the third head coach the Steelers have hired since 1969. Former head coach Chuck Noll held the position for 22 years: rom 1969-1991.
Next

Getty

Supreme Court justice

While Elena Kagan started her time as a Supreme Court justice in 2010, others, like Antonin Scalia, have been doing it since the days of Ronald Reagan. An appointment to the Supreme Court doesn’t end until you die, so it’s safe to say they’ll all be around for quite some time.
Next

Reuters

Motion Picture Association of America

Jack Valenti, a former special assistant to President Lyndon Johnson, held the chairman position for 38 years, a reign that ended in 2004. Since then, the association has had two chairmen: Dan Glickman (2004-2010), and Chris Dodd (2010-present).
Next

Reuters

Executive Producer, SNL

The name Lorne Michaels practically goes hand in hand with Saturday Night Live, the show he created and produces. But many do not know that Michaels took a brief hiatus from the show in the early 1980s. After season 10, he returned and has been with the show consistently ever since.
Next

Host of The Tonight Show

After Johnny Carson’s nearly 30-year reign hosting The Tonight Show ended in 1992, Jay Leno took over and has been headlining ever since. Well, almost. For a few months in 2009 and 2010, Leno was replaced by Conan O’Brien, until NBC decided in early 2010 to give Leno his old job back without giving O’Brien any advance notice. Leno’s reinstatement caused huge drops in ratings, layoffs, and pay cuts for staff. There are rumors that Jimmy Fallon may replace Leno as the show’s next host.
Back to the beginning